Endodontics
Endodontics: root canal treatment to preserve the natural tooth
Endodontics is the dental speciality dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. Root canal treatment, as it is commonly known, aims to eliminate infection or inflammation inside the tooth and preserve the natural dentition.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, root canal treatment is carried out with clinical rigour, using digital imaging diagnostics and up-to-date techniques, to offer the patient a safe and predictable solution for maintaining their teeth.
If you experience persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, or have a tooth with an infection, book an assessment appointment to identify the source of the problem.
Technology Supporting Endodontic Treatment
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, root canal treatment is complemented by digital imaging examinations that allow precise localisation of the root canal anatomy and safe planning of each intervention.
Diagnosis with Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph is the reference examination in endodontic diagnosis. It allows detailed visualisation of the tooth root, the root canal, the root apex, and the surrounding bone, enabling highly precise identification of lesions, infections, and root fractures.
Three-Dimensional Assessment with CBCT
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional images of the dental anatomy and adjacent structures. This examination is particularly useful in complex cases, such as accessory root canals, pronounced root curvatures, or periapical lesions that are difficult to diagnose.
Digital Impression with Intraoral Scan
The 3D intraoral scanner is used to create a precise digital record of the patient's dentition. This digital impression is essential when root canal treatment is followed by prosthetic rehabilitation, such as the placement of a ceramic crown over the treated tooth.
“Preserving the natural tooth is always our primary goal. Endodontics allows us to treat infections and inflammation inside the tooth safely, avoiding extraction and maintaining the function and aesthetics of the patient's dentition in the long term.”
What is endodontics and when is root canal treatment necessary?
Endodontics is the dental speciality dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp — the tissue found inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is the indicated intervention to preserve the tooth.
The most common causes of damage to the dental pulp include deep cavities that reach the inside of the tooth, tooth fractures, trauma, and extensive or repeated restorations.
The usual symptoms are spontaneous or provoked tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discolouration, and swelling in the adjacent gum.
Root canal treatment consists of removing the affected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling them with a biocompatible material. After treatment, the tooth is usually restored with a ceramic crown to restore its strength and function.
In most cases, root canal treatment allows the tooth to be preserved for many years, avoids tooth extraction, and maintains the integrity of the dental arch.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually to define the best therapeutic approach.
What our patients say
I had severe toothache and was afraid of losing the tooth. The root canal treatment was quick and painless, and the tooth is now fully functional.
Sofia Matos
My dentist explained the entire procedure before starting. The endodontic treatment went very well and it has now been two years without any problems.
Jorge Rodrigues
I thought I was going to have to have the tooth extracted, but the root canal treatment resolved the infection and allowed me to keep my natural tooth. I am very pleased.
Inês Tavares
4 Steps to Your Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from diagnosis through to final rehabilitation of the tooth, adapted to each clinical situation.
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Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment
At the first appointment, the dentist carries out a detailed clinical examination and requests imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or CBCT scan, to assess the condition of the dental pulp and the anatomy of the root canals. Accurate diagnosis is essential for defining the therapeutic approach.
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Access and cleaning of root canals
After local anaesthesia, access is made to the interior of the tooth to remove the inflamed or infected pulp. The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using specific instruments to eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth for filling.
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Root canal obturation
The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material that seals the interior of the tooth and prevents recontamination. A radiographic check is performed to confirm that the filling is complete and the treatment has been successful.
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Tooth restoration and rehabilitation
After completion of root canal treatment, the tooth is restored to recover its shape and function. In most cases, the placement of a ceramic crown is recommended to protect the treated tooth and restore its long-term strength.
0
Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment
At the first appointment, the dentist carries out a detailed clinical examination and requests imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or CBCT scan, to assess the condition of the dental pulp and the anatomy of the root canals. Accurate diagnosis is essential for defining the therapeutic approach.
0
Access and cleaning of root canals
After local anaesthesia, access is made to the interior of the tooth to remove the inflamed or infected pulp. The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using specific instruments to eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth for filling.
0
Root canal obturation
The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material that seals the interior of the tooth and prevents recontamination. A radiographic check is performed to confirm that the filling is complete and the treatment has been successful.
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Tooth restoration and rehabilitation
After completion of root canal treatment, the tooth is restored to recover its shape and function. In most cases, the placement of a ceramic crown is recommended to protect the treated tooth and restore its long-term strength.
Everything you need to know about endodontics
Root canal treatment, as it is commonly known, is one of the most frequently performed procedures in dentistry and its primary aim is to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
It is a safe, predictable treatment with high success rates when carried out correctly.
The dental pulp is the tissue found inside the tooth, composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When this tissue is affected by deep decay, a fracture, or trauma, it can become inflamed (pulpitis) or infected, causing intense pain and risk of tooth loss.
Root canal treatment allows the affected pulp to be removed, the inside of the tooth to be disinfected, and the canals to be filled with a material that seals them and prevents the progression of infection.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and, in most cases, is painless for the patient.
After root canal treatment, the tooth remains functional but becomes more fragile, as it loses its internal blood supply.
For this reason, rehabilitation with a ceramic crown is usually recommended, which restores both the strength and the aesthetics of the treated tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, root canal treatment is carried out with rigour, using digital imaging diagnostics and up-to-date techniques.
If you have tooth pain or suspect an infection, book your assessment appointment.
Main Problems Treated at Endodontics Appointments
The endodontics appointment covers various conditions that affect the dental pulp and periapical tissues. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. Find out about the most common problems.
Deep Caries with Pulp Involvement
When decay reaches the dental pulp, it causes inflammation (pulpitis) and intense pain.
Without treatment, the infection can spread to the root apex and affect the surrounding bone.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects the root canals, and preserves the natural tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, diagnosis is made with imaging to assess the extent of the lesion and determine the most appropriate approach.
Periapical Infection (Dental Abscess)
A dental abscess occurs when infection spreads from inside the tooth to the tissues around the root, causing pain, swelling, and, in more severe cases, fever.
Root canal treatment is the indicated approach to eliminate the infection, drain the abscess where necessary, and preserve the tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the assessment includes a periapical X-ray to precisely locate the lesion and monitor recovery.
Dental Trauma with Pulp Injury
A direct impact on a tooth can cause injury to the dental pulp, even when there is no visible fracture.
The pulp may become inflamed or lose vitality, resulting in colour change and delayed pain. Endodontic treatment is indicated to remove the compromised pulp and prevent tooth loss.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, cases of dental trauma are assessed rigorously to determine the need for intervention and the ideal timing.
Endodontic Retreatment
When a previous root canal treatment has not been successful, or a new infection develops in an already-treated tooth, endodontic retreatment may be necessary.
Retreatment involves removing the previous filling material, re-cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and refilling them with new material.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, retreatment cases are assessed with CBCT to understand the anatomy and plan the procedure with precision.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, root canal treatment is carried out using digital imaging diagnostics and up-to-date techniques, to preserve the natural tooth safely and predictably.
Book your appointment
If you experience tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, or have a tooth with an infection, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently asked questions
about endodontics
What is root canal treatment?
This is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed dental pulp, disinfects the interior of the tooth, and fills the root canals in order to preserve the natural tooth and eliminate the infection.
Is endodontic treatment painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and, in most cases, is painless. After treatment, there may be some temporary discomfort that is managed with appropriate medication.
How long does the treatment take?
Duration depends on the complexity of the case. A session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Some cases may require two sessions to complete the treatment.
Does a treated tooth become more fragile?
After root canal treatment, the tooth loses its internal blood supply and may become more brittle. For this reason, the placement of a ceramic crown is usually recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth.
When is retreatment necessary?
Retreatment may be necessary if the treated tooth develops a new infection, persistent pain, or if the previous treatment was not fully effective. The dentist evaluates each case individually.
Is it possible to save a tooth with an abscess?
In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment allows the infection to be eliminated, the abscess drained, and the natural tooth preserved, without the need for extraction.
Can children need root canal treatment?
Yes. Children may require root canal treatment, both in primary teeth and permanent teeth, especially in cases of deep decay or dental trauma.
What is the success rate of the treatment?
Root canal treatment has high success rates, typically between 85% and 90%, when carried out with an appropriate diagnosis and followed by prosthetic restoration of the tooth.
Does the clinic offer endodontic treatments?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, carries out endodontic treatments with digital imaging diagnosis and up-to-date techniques. Book your assessment appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.